The Entertainment

For the second consecutive year our friends Deb and Robert in Waupaca have hosted a book event for me.  Last year they invited a group of their friends to their Bed & Breakfast, Crystal River Inn.  Everyone brought something to share and we dined on a traditional Irish meal.  Robert lit the wood fireplace in their parlor and we talked about writing, publishing and my first book Murphy’s Troubles.  The conversation lasted until midnight.  It was a special, magical night.

This year Deb and Robert again offered to host an author event with a twist.  Some of the guests were family but most of the guests were people staying at the Inn for the weekend.  Deb and Robert invited the Bed & Breakfast guests to listen to a presentation from me then enjoy a traditional Irish coddle with brown bread, cultured butter, coleslaw and Irish soda bread.

While we shared a few drinks and some snacks I talked about writing, publishing and my two novels, Murphy’s Troubles and Out of Darkness.  They were generous with their time and allowed me 45 minutes to speak and with questions the entire presentation was 60 minutes.

During the drive to Waupaca my wife kidded me that I was the entertainment for the evening.  For some reason I struggled with that notion.  After my presentation Deb thanked me and told me that all the people in the room had booked the bed and breakfast to hear my talk.  I told her, “Well, I guess I was the entertainment.”